A rare case of papular‐purpuric “gloves and socks” syndrome associated with influenza

• Published in: Journal of cutaneous pathology Vol. 49; no. 7; pp. 632 - 637
• Main Authors: Zelman, Brandon, Muhlbauer, Aaron, Kim, Wendy, Speiser, Jodi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01-07-2022; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Antigens; Apoptosis; Asthenia; Case Studies; Case Study; Dermis; Edema; Epidermis; Erythema; Erythrocytes; Extravasation; Feet; Fever; Gloves; gloves and socks syndrome; Influenza; Influenza B; Keratinocytes; Lymphadenopathy; Myalgia; papular‐purpuric “gloves and socks” syndrome; PPGSS; Purpura; papular-purpuric “gloves and socks” syndrome; gloves and socks syndrome; PPGSS
• ISSN: 0303-6987; 1600-0560
• DOI: 10.1111/cup.14213

Papular‐purpuric “gloves and socks” syndrome (PPGSS) is a unique, self‐limited dermatosis characterized by edema, erythema, and pruritic petechiae and papules in a distinct “gloves and socks” distribution. This is often accompanied by systemic symptoms, including fever, lymphadenopathy, asthenia, myalgia, and arthralgias. PPGSS has also been described as a manifestation of an underlying immunological mechanism that can be triggered by viral or drug‐related antigens. A 32‐year‐old male developed a painful eruption on the bilateral hands and feet after being diagnosed with influenza B. On examination, scattered papular purpura with occasional overlying scale was noted on the bilateral hands, fingers, feet, toes, volar wrists, and ankles. Histopathologic sections showed a mixed pattern of inflammation with interface and spongiotic changes. A parakeratotic scale with overlying basket‐weave orthokeratosis was also seen. Within the epidermis, there was intraepidermal vesicles and Langerhans cell microabscess formation with scattered apoptotic keratinocytes. The underlying dermis showed a superficial perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate with mild edematous changes, and extravasation of red blood cells. Clinicopathologic correlation strongly supported a diagnosis of popular‐purpuric gloves and socks syndrome. The influenza virus has never been reported in association with PPGSS; thus, this case outlines an important new variant that clinicians should be familiar with.